Don't Know Much About History

Controversial changes may be in store for your textbooks, courtesy of the Texas state school board.

History, Winston Churchill famously said, is written by the victors. Don McLeroy no doubt agrees.

McLeroy is a dentist from Bryan, Texas, a self-described Christian fundamentalist, and an outgoing member of state school board of education (SBOE). Over the past year, McLeroy and his allies formed a powerful bloc on the 15-member elected board and pushed through controversial revisions to the statewide social studies curriculum.

“Sometimes it boggles my mind the kind of power we have,” McLeroy recently boasted.

To many Texans, however, what’s more mind-boggling are some of the revisions. Critics charge that they promote Christian fundamentalism, boost conservative political figures, and force-feed American “exceptionalism,” while downplaying the historical contributions of minorities. (See slideshow below for examples of the changes.)

“The circus-like efforts of right-wing board members,” Haecker said, “to impose their own religious and political beliefs on the public school curriculum have been and still are a national embarrassment.”

Don McLeroy

The standards will guide textbook purchases and classroom instruction over the next decade — and maybe not just in Texas. National publishers usually cater to its demands because the school board is probably the most influential in the country. Texas buys 48 million textbooks every year. No other state, except California, wields that sort of market clout.

But Jay Diskey, executive director of the Association of American Publishers’ School Division, says fears of a Texas-style national social studies curriculum are overblown because publishers are more accustomed nowadays to producing customized textbooks for different states.

But California isn’t taking any chances. A bill recently introduced in the state legislature seeks to prevent Texas-approved changes from seeping into textbooks in the Golden State.

Even if their reach is limited to Texas, will the new standards capsize social studies classrooms across the Lone Star state? Probably not, says Kirk White, a middle school social studies teacher in Austin.

“Are there some things in there that don’t belong? Sure, but I hope teachers don’t buckle and interpret the language too narrowly,” White says. “If we have to talk more about our so-called 'Christian nation' in class, then let’s talk about it— the good and the bad. A good teacher will know how to take advantage of this situation.”

COMMENTS:

Or simply, let's teach OUR children the truth OURSELVES. Let's move back to home-schooling people. Don't rely on others to educate your offspring.

Someone | 2014/11/24

What is society going to?

Someone | 2014/11/24

Reading this, I can't even right now...

fjpor | 2014/11/23

I surely do not want Texas making the decision of what information will be in text books across the country - and, it appears, the people of Texas are not really happy about what will be in the TEXAS textbooks either. This must stop - NOW!!

Will | 2014/11/22

This is patently wrong! It must be stopped.

Historically Accurate | 2014/11/21

All one needs do to understand why Texas feels the need to do something about social studies is go find the video on utube where a number of Texas Tech college students are asked history questions such as 'Who won the Civil War' (one got this correct); 'Who did America win its independence from?' (again only one, not the same student); and 'Who is the vice president?' (maybe two correct); while all of them could correctly answer every question about Kim Kardashian and Brad Pitt. Obviously the current textbooks and teachers are not doing the job!!

anndria lattomus | 2014/11/17

I can`t believe that Islam is seeping into our school books and that someone is approving this stuff. God help us!

John | 2014/02/03

Does anyone here see the parallel between religious schools in the middle east teaching the fundamental religious viewpoint and the nimrods in Texas doing the same thing?
Can you say American Taliban>?

Nuttin | 2013/11/23

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Matt the patriot | 2013/11/05

Jefferson should be kept in the books. Same with all founding fathers. Without them there would be no USA today. With more of them we would still have more of the original freedoms we had before gov't engrossed itself by taking more and more of what is the people's rights and wealth.

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GiveTexasBackToMexico | 2012/07/16

Separation of church and state. What's so hard about that to understand? This isn't Iran. It's not a theocracy. If kids want to be Christians they can decide that for themselves, they don't need it force fed. And people, don't bring Obama here to this discussion. This is about teaching history, not promoting your conservative agenda.

Michele | 2010/07/16

Why didn't anyone complain when the Revisionists started their work decades ago?

Mary Palmer Legare | 2010/06/14

Randall says: "Our professors and teachers need to send a balanced message to our students of all ages and be intellectually honest with them by giving all the facts of our history." How is denying Thomas Jefferson's part in the founding of this country and the development of our constitution "giving all the facts?" Revisionism is fine if it provides different perspectives on the facts of history, but when it alters them--well, Texas has just gone too far.

Joan M | 2010/06/14

Reading through these comments, it's clear to me that the polarization in this country is too great to bridge. It's a bit frightening.

Julia | 2010/06/13

The overwhelming majority of American voters voted for President Obama in order to see the kind of changes that are contained within what you call "Obama Care." He was very clear about these goals in his campaign.
Furthermore, every single teacher that I interact with (Dem and Rep) support it enthusiastically. I will also remind you that the NEA endorsed him.
Finally, I encourage you to look back at some of the deebate about establishing Social Security. Conservatives at the time were saying the same things that you are saaying today. The economy did not collapse.

DanDan | 2010/06/13

To Concerned Citizen,
How about you give an example or two of the leack of understanding that our President and Vice President have.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it was the previous VP who insisted that he was not a member of the Executive Branch.

Julia | 2010/06/13

The NEA needs to stay out of my curriculum choices. They should be taking surveys of their members and supporting only issues as those members see fit. For example, most teachers I know don't support "Obama Care" as it will bankrupt the nation and reduce care for all. This biased attack on conservatism is another example of the NEA using teachers money to spread their agenda. Being P.C. should have nothing to do with teaching history. For example, there is the trend to remove the A.D. and B.C. from text and replace it with the nonsensical C.E. and B.C.E. The Julian calendar gained acceptance due to the world wide acceptance of the biblical dates (slightly off) as stated in the Bible. A primary source people. "Common Era" means nothing of historic significance, which era? What a PC joke. I will always explain this particular joke to my students.

DanDan | 2010/06/13

So Alex,
You wrote "I am glad to see that Texas feels it important to teach children what the founders' intentions truly were, not what liberals want us to believe about them. " What about the whole seperation of church & state thing? Are you telling us that this was an accident? Was Thomas Jefferson not a "Founding Father?" If you admit that he was, then youmight want to read The Virginia Statute on Religios Freedom, which he wrote. If you deny that Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father (which seems to be your bent), then how about Ben Franklin? If you accept that Ben was a Founding Father, then you might want to take a look at the beliefs of Quakers as he was one. Quakers you will learn, are extremely tolerant (a word you ought to look up and reflect on) of other religions.
Later in your post you wrote "I am very unhappy with the very liberal stance the NEA pushes on us. It seems as if every piece of material they send me is just a political ad urging me to support the Apology Tour. Based on these posts, many of you agree. If there were a conservative teachers' union, I believe a huge percentage of NEA members would jump ship and take our dues with us." The NEA is a member driven organization. We elect our leadership. If they didn't express our wishes, they wouldn't have gotten elected.

Concerned Citizen | 2010/06/11

If your going to study US history, it is going heavily weighted toward "white Europeans". We need to understand why events occurred from the perspective of the historical times. If we judge events from our 20/20 hindsight, we will create an erroneous view of why these events occurred. Maybe I took history at a time when there wasn't as much to study, but I did not miss too much. I am grateful that the progressive revisionists had not written their version of events. What I find disturbing is that the President, Vice-President, and the Congress have a collective knowledge of U.S. history that would echo in a thimble.

Alex | 2010/06/11

The progressives have been gradually rewriting history for decades but you don't hear about it. I am glad to see that Texas feels it important to teach children what the founders' intentions truly were, not what liberals want us to believe about them. The writer of this article, Tim Walker, says that the Texas changes will "force-feed American ?exceptionalism,? ". We are exceptional! We should be proud of our country and all the good we have done and not kowtow to countries who do not have our best interest at heart while neglecting our allies. Seriously, apologizing to China for our current "civil rights abuses" in Arizona? To China, a country that murders dissidents? I am very unhappy with the very liberal stance the NEA pushes on us. It seems as if every piece of material they send me is just a political ad urging me to support the Apology Tour. Based on these posts, many of you agree. If there were a conservative teachers' union, I believe a huge percentage of NEA members would jump ship and take our dues with us.

Tom P | 2010/06/11

God help us

Randall | 2010/06/11

Here in Colorado and the rest of the country, we have seen an ever increasing trend of how bad America is while ignoring the overwhelming good it has accomplished in the world as well as our own country. Our professors and teachers need to send a balanced message to our students of all ages and be intellectually honest with them by giving all the facts of our history. The push back in Texas is the result of the anti-American agenda so dominant in our nation's education system. I heard no complaints from the status quo when the liberal agenda was being shoved down our students' throats. I believe we owe our students the facts which represent both the good and bad in our nation's history. Isn't that what education truly is?

Dapper Dan | 2010/06/11

Thomas - I agree but there's a very large segment of the U.S. population that treats intellect and higher education as "elitism." We can thank George Bush and Sarah Palin for this.

Thomas Sobottke | 2010/06/11

Alan:
That is indeed the problem. I would guess that those on the board on either side of the politcal divide are not professionals in this area at all. Real, mainline, practicing historians in the field need to be listened to. This is the equivalent of a bunch of laymen practicing as doctors. This is a massive case of historical malpractice of the worst kind. Yes, I would move to that loony bin otherwise known as Texas and run. That would be a hoot!

DK | 2010/06/11

This country was founded by pagans and conquered by Christians.

Bill H | 2010/06/11

Brian - please, please, please tell me you don't teach social studies. Yes, Germans and Italians were interned during World War II but NOWHERE near on the scale as Japanese Americans and not as brutally. Good history shouldn't be about lazily giving equal weight to similar "facts."

Brian | 2010/06/11

Although, I heartedly disagree with changes that might promote an agenda, I do support some of the changes proposed in Texas.
The simple fact that Germans and Italians were placed in interment camps along with Japanese Americans is a FACT. What is wrong with telling the truth.
The article argues that the board did not include any new Latinos in their most recent adoptions. What is wrong with this? Since when is it necessary to have an equal balance of all races, genders and ethnic groups mentioned in the study of our nations history? We are Americans, the very fact that radical leftists refuse to see us as one and constantly divide us by pointing out our differences is more racist than anything that ever came from the right.
The uber-liberal NEA, would not be sending out mass emails about this subject if the board had included more information about Marx, Mao, Che, Alinsky and George Bernard Shaw.
I am happy to say that I along with about 30+colleagues are leaving this organization in the dust come August!

Alan | 2010/06/11

Hi Thomas - Any chance you want to move to Texas and run for the school board? Sounds like they need real historians!

Thomas Sobottke | 2010/06/11

History is a profession. The NEA is a Union of professional educators. I hold the Ph.D. degree in History and can tell you that writing history to suit your political views as is being done in Texas is "bad history." The worst offense is underplaying what have been racial minorities in the story of our nation in a state where those people are so numerous. White Europeans did not do everything. There is a wider world out there than is implied by these changes. And, historically, these folks making the changes often get the reality of our past just plain wrong.

Harold | 2010/06/11

If you want more information on this loon Don McLeroy, check out wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_McLeroy

KS | 2010/06/11

You're right about consequences Alan. The current administration proves your point better than any argument I could ever make

KS | 2010/06/11

Bill H and Katie,
I couldn't agree more and it's about time there was some legitimate push back. It's not fashionable in many academic circles to acknowledge the contribution of Western European Christians who gave us the concepts of individual liberty and human rights as codified in documents such as the Magna Carta and US Constitution.

Bill H | 2010/06/11

Gary - I agree completely. I think what we're seeing in this country now is a major pushback from the right since Obama's election. The country is changing (for the better) and they don't like it. Whether it's under the veil of illegal immigration, the tea party movement, or pushing the idea of a Christian nation - it's all the same fear. White, Christian men are no longer in charge.

Katie | 2010/06/11

"I know this last comment won't be appreciated universally, BUT...This country was founded by Christians from Europe, developed by Christians from Europe, and defended by Christians from Europe. If that FACT offends some people so much, they should get back on the plane or boat and go back to where they came from."
Mr. Peter, I was born here and disagree with your limited point of view, therefore I have nowhere to go back to. The fact of it doesn't offend me, but people need to consider that everybody doesn't want to be preached to from their government. When it says in God we trust, that's not just your God, that's everybody's God. And

Gary P | 2010/06/11

I don't know where people get the idea that this country was founded by Christians alone. Denying that people from other religions had no impact on this country is ridiculous. Part of my family heritage is Jewish and we trace them back to the 1630's in this country. As for myself, I spent over 20 years protecting this country in the military, so people like you Peter, could spout off this drivel about going back where they came from. I became a teacher to try to show kids how to have an open and not closed mind like yours.

Peter M | 2010/06/11

1. Thomas Jefferson was not Moses. He may have been important to our independence, but there were MANY others' signatures on the Declaration.
2. From what I understand the "separation of church and state" was merely part of a letter to a Baptist congregation worried about government's involvement in church affairs.
3. I think we should admit our, at times, hypocrisy as a nation, but FACTS must be taught, not trivialities intended to push a particular, skewed, completely biased social-political agenda as has been done for the past forty-five years.
4. I know this last comment won't be appreciated universally, BUT...This country was founded by Christians from Europe, developed by Christians from Europe, and defended by Christians from Europe. If that FACT offends some people so much, they should get back on the plane or boat and go back to where they came from. If I were in some other country, I wouldn't insist on changing their country or customs; I expect the same consideration for U.S.

Rush | 2010/06/10

I am an American History teacher, and it is no wonder that the collective American student body cannot grasp our history, or learn from its mistakes, when the powers that be cannot agree on what our history actually is.

Roger Verdesi | 2010/06/10

For nearly a century progressives have been altering our history in text books. Now that conservatives are attempting to correct these alterations they are accused of "rewriting history" - what gall!

Ron | 2010/06/10

Oh by the way. Good job NEA for supporting our "Educational" President. He's done such a wonderful job with our educational system. We all see the money rolling in.

Ron | 2010/06/10

Oh by the way. Good job NEA for supporting our "Educational" President. He's done such a wonderful job with our educational system. We all see the money rolling in.

Ron | 2010/06/10

Why is the NEA so afraid of a view point that is not extreme liberalism. I am a christian, love my job in the public schools, would not change for the world. Look at what is happening to some of our young people, no respect for parents, authority, not taking responsibility for their actions. NEA supports coddling kids, we might hurt their self-esteem, so lets just tell them they are doing a good job and find out later that the rules change when they are adults. Surprise Kids.

Bill H | 2010/06/10

It doesn't say Jefferson was taken out completely, just out of one particular World History unit, which is true. The story has a point of view, but its facts are strong. People on the extreme right just don't like it when their foolishness is exposed.

Sharon M | 2010/06/10

Jill - it may be funny but it is clearly mocking these new standards. Not very objective. Thomas Jefferson was not taken out of the standards, for example.

Michelle | 2010/06/10

We won't have to worry about any of this if the country continues in the direction it's going...hang on, it's going to be a very bumpy ride....someone is not going to get paid...it's going to get messy...you have no idea how bad it is going get...look what just happened with the EPA....

Michelle | 2010/06/10

We won't have to worry about any of this if the country continues in the direction it's going...hang on, it's going to be a very bumpy ride....someone is not going to get paid...it's going to get messy...you have no idea how bad it is going get...look what just happened with the EPA....

Kim | 2010/06/10

I agree..what is wrong with being a conservative and actually reading and learning about the constitution and the founders...in their own words...not the liberal/ progressive revisionism. We are exceptional and free...I'd prefer not being like England or Greece...thank you very much.

? | 2010/06/10

?

Jill B | 2010/06/10

That slideshow is pretty funny. No offense to any Texans out there but aren't you just a little mortified by this? It just seemed to be handled in a very clumsy, heavy-handed way. I wouldn't let my small children anywhere near that McElroy creep.

Alan | 2010/06/10

Texas may indeed rock but it is also a laughingstock. Not saying it's right, but there it is. Actions have consequences.

KS | 2010/06/10

Hey hal, wake up. Texas is just trying to start swinging the proverbial pendulum in the "right" direction. We've been brow beating ourselves far too long and need to start telling our kids what's right with their country as well.

Maryland | 2010/06/10

Texas does rock!!!!!!

KS | 2010/06/10

Nobody ever said that slavery didn't exist in the United States. However, it's safe to say that it wasn't invented here and at least the founders (yes, many were slave holders) devised a system of government that permitted it's eventual eradication. I'm not going to fall into the trap of labelling, but apparently, the curriculum was okay as long as it had a left-wing slant and encouraged America bashing.

Kevin | 2010/06/10

So, what is wrong with conservatism? Our country was founded on conservative, "right-wing" religious beliefs. Gee, I wonder why our country is having so many problems... check out the immorality that has infiltrated our country and replaced many beliefs our forefathers had that were supported by what???? Oh yeah, God's Word, the Bible!!!

LAURA | 2010/06/10

PS; TEXAS ROCKS !

LAURA | 2010/06/10

TEACHERS HAVE DONE THIS TO THEMSELVES WITH THEIR GROSS LIBERAL INDOCTRINATION OF OUR KIDS !
NO MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PARENTS NEED CHOICES AND WE NEED COMPETITION ! GOOD SCHOOLS WIN, GARBAGE SCHOOLS GET SHUT DOWN ! LAZY GOD HATING GLOBAL WARMING FINATIC TEACHERS GET FIRED !

LAURA | 2010/06/10

TEACHERS HAVE DONE THIS TO THEMSELVES WITH THEIR GROSS LIBERAL INDOCTRINATION OF OUR KIDS !
NO MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PARENTS NEED CHOICES AND WE NEED COMPETITION ! GOOD SCHOOLS WIN, GARBAGE SCHOOLS GET SHUT DOWN ! LAZY GOD HATING GLOBAL WARMING FINATIC TEACHERS GET FIRED !

hal | 2010/06/10

Politicizing the schools is ok, apparently, as long as Texas conservatives are doing it. These standards are slap in the face to the academic community and thinly veiled propaganda for the right. I call for the rejection of any textbook approved by these "patriots."

c c | 2010/06/10

School boards do have a great deal of power and I feel that most pedestrians are happy allowing others to take charge. That is how we get in these situations. Texas aside, I live in VA and have found that teaching history is largely based upon the popular opinion. Let us remember, that most of life is not clear cut/black & white. While I do not believe only one point of view should be reported, I also do not believe it should be excluded. History is reported through the eyes of those who view and report.

Tom | 2010/06/10

Those in support of this, please consider this. Just as easily as they are promoting this controversial view, others can be waiting in the wings ready to promote their view. If you are so willing to accept these current viewpoints, I hope you're ready to deal with differing viewpoints later. That's what happens in a democracy. Or, do you recognize the harm promoting any one viewpoint can have on our society of many? If you do, dig deep into your conscious and stop this.

Julian | 2010/06/10

To the genius Lisa that wants to discuss how "christian fundamentalists" founded this country: You didn't learn to part about how they fled Europe to escape religious persecution? They didn't believe there was only the Catholic way, but now there is only one "truth"? You'd might as well be a Mormon and write your own book if you want to invent stories!

? | 2010/06/10

So Slavery didn't exist in the United States? "Inserting" slavery into the text books over the past few hundred years has been part of a "left wing conspiracy?" Is that what some of the so called "fundamentalists" are trying to claim? Let's boil everything down to simplistic, flag-waving fables. No complexity allowed here.

Bill H | 2010/06/10

Hey L - What in the slideshow is biased? Be more specific please.

T. Ryan | 2010/06/10

Found a t-shirt recently which speaks so simply to the bottom line of the civil rights struggle in this racist and separatist country;
If they give civil rights to [Explicit] people then EVERYONE will want them.
Substitute any label for [Explicit] "" that you want. It's the same struggle for education, cultural enlightenment and civil rights.

L | 2010/06/10

I don't even know what to say about that bias video. Teachers are suppose to teach NOT change history to suit their bias liberal views. To the teachers here who do not teach true history shame on you. Your hate for any believes other than yours is truly the downfall of AMERICA. How did this happen? Why are teachers of today so angry? America was founded on this principals of FREEDOM for all religions and non believers. Read the true history "Our founding fathers" DID believe in GOD. Stop reading the twisted versions that liberals have been spinning for years. WAKE UP AMERICA, we are a country of laws.

Brad | 2010/06/10

Oops..."secular humanist" now appears in my post. They censored "pro" and [Explicit] "" as explicit. How PC can they get?

Brad | 2010/06/10

Case in point:
The NEA labels the term
"secular" and "humanist" as "explicit" and deleted them. They're trying to insuate I'm swearing, evidently.
Way to go, try to discredit people and "censor" them!

Brad | 2010/06/10

I used to be a member of the NEA.
Rather than just support the kids and the teachers, they support a leftist, [Explicit] , secular humanist , pro-abortion agenda. NEA 's stance on the Texas standards denies actual historical facts in favor of political correctness. They have sunk to new lows with this slide show. Disgusting.

Tom P | 2010/06/10

Michele - Do you believe that making room for all religions is an attack on your rights as a Christian?
Does "freedom of religion" only apply to Christianity?

Dapper Dan | 2010/06/10

Actually this story could have been a lot tougher on the Texas school board. What they did and how they went about it was horrendous. Even if you agree with some of the changes, no one should want this important process to be debased by such obvious political agendas.

Matthew | 2010/06/10

Look at McLeroy's face. I wouldn't buy a used car from him, let alone a social studies curriculum.

Lisa | 2010/06/10

It was "Christian Fundamentalists" that founded this country, and it is historical revisionists that have tried to take that part out of the educational system. Kudos for Texas for getting back to the truth!

Bill H | 2010/06/10

What part of this story is inaccurate? I hate it when people yell "Bias!" but don't specifically point to any false claims.

Dan K | 2010/06/10

Tom C., your correct about my error about the Establishment Clause, but forgive my ignorance, where did Jefferson talk about his religious beliefs? It seems to me that there is plenty of evidence to suggest that he was anti-religious. But we really aren't talking about Jefferson are we. Its really about people making their decisions for the rest of us based on superstitions. Frightening. I personally will be teaching text books based on Twilight, True Blood, and the Vampire Diaries. We have equal evidence of God and Vampires...none

The Nature Boy | 2010/06/10

Somebody want to explain to me what is so controversial about factual history? Is it controversial because the liberal-NEA decided it's controversial? I wonder if they find controversial schools in California that are promoting illegal immigration and bad-mouthing properly executed legislation meant to prohibit people from entering this country illegally? Or does the NEA care that millions of dollars of due monies are spent each year to promote a radical, leftist agenda and elect leftist/statist politicians, and people who disagree with these stances have no recourse to not belonging to such a fringe, whacked out organization and thus get lumped in with a group that is despised. NEA is a joke!!

LarryT | 2010/06/10

I am a retired teacher. I find a gradual straying away from history as it was taught a few decades ago so I believe the movement back toward the way it was originally presented to be a good thing. I hope NEA which I supported many years will take a neutral stance or support this original slant on history.

LarryT | 2010/06/10

I am a retired teacher. I find a gradual straying away from history as it was taught a few decades ago so I believe the movement back toward the way it was originally presented to be a good thing. I hope NEA which I supported many years will take a neutral stance or support this original slant on history.

Steph B | 2010/06/10

The Declaration of Independence is a Dear John letter to King George. The US Constitution is the document that defines our government. The art, and intelligence of compromise is what we have in the Bill of Rights, 10 amendments that were added to ensure the Constitution would be passed. With a new government plan ratified in the 13 original states our new and failing country would pick itself up and go on to become a nation of the people and for the people. The real litmus test of these new standards will be in the courtrooms, not the classrooms and I cannot imagine that the Supreme Court will let them stand as written in Texas. It is unfortunate that the state Texas has been bushwacked into these standards, but do not let Texas down. Remember the Alamo, and LBJ, who pushed and cajoled for passage of the Civil Rights and education legislation that defined the sixties as enlightened and liberal. And don't forget Willie Nelson, the Cadillac Ranch, Austin City Limits, Sandra Cisneros, the Houston Art Museum, The Last Picture Show's Larry McMurtry, Paris Texas, The Rio Grande, T-Bone Walker, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Molly Ivans are also a part of the rich and diverse history that makes Texas, what it is, a wonderful and conflicted melting pot, a microcosm of this nation! Bring it on McLeroy, the eyes of Texas are upon you, All of them!

Rich F | 2010/06/10

It's sad (and scary) that one incredibly backward (educationally) state can have so much influence over all the others' decisions to order textbooks. Apparently the Texas school board has decided that the teaching of their children should be based on folklore, story, myth and fantasy which is, of course, what the Bible really is - a tall tale written and handed down through the generations. And very often, through corporal and punitive punishment, beaten into its followers by overreaching fanaticists like those on the Texas school board.
Math and science principles like calculus, magnetism, and evolution, on the other hand, were conceived and discovered by humans, tested and found accurate by humans, and have been used by those same generations to create the very society we live in. They do not have to be taken on "faith", but can be used immediately right out of the box. If, in fact, the rest of the nation has to succumb to the whims of the book publishers then it is time to call for a nation-wide boycott on all such books and find alternative educational sources for teaching our chilren, including those in Texas, saving them from themselves.

Tom C | 2010/06/10

Dan
I hope you are not a teacher. Your ignorance is appalling. Jefferson believed in God, prayed and believed in Christ. Read his own words. Further, the Declaration of Independence contains no such clause. You are referring to the constitution, which also contains no such clause, nor does the bill of rights. Get a copy and read it. Read the actual documents and words of the founders, not some dupes commentary.

Gabe Richter | 2010/06/10

I find it interesting that for decades the history may be slanted to the left and that is Okay. Yet, when an attempt to pull it back away from the left, the cry goes out that it is wrong!
The first amendment was to protect the religion FROM the federal government, NOT TO PROTECT the FEDS from religion!
It reads "CONGRESS shall make no law..." not "No laws shall be made..."
It would be refreshing to have a curriculum that is NOT skewed toward the left for a change.

Jean white | 2010/06/10

Years ago, many years ago I recall an organization called the Texas Textbook Commission who censured material in textbooks . They had some influence in Texas but other states were concerned as well that this 'selective information' would influence publishers of textbooks. My thought is that we need to face up to our real history and learn from it.

Paul D | 2010/06/10

In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Horatio G. Spafford, March 17, 1814

Once again the sterotype of Texas backwardness is confirmed by regressive, medieval, fundamentalist approach to ideas and education that the Texas School Board has adopted. Good Luck in preparing your students for the future; they'll be ready for 1200 AD.

Jennifer H | 2010/06/10

Your article and slide show is one of the most biased, inflammatory things I have ever seen from an entity that is supposedly a proponent of education. We educators are supposed to present ALL points of view, not just the ones that happen to be politically expedient at the time. The actions of the Texas school board are a reaction to "political correctness" run amok. If this is the "official" stance of the NEA, then all I have to say is -- you do NOT represent me and I'd like a refund of my dues! My students learn how to read, research, evaluate their sources for bias and then THINK to make a reasonable, rational INFORMED decision. You would do well to take lessons from them!

Kathleen M | 2010/06/10

NEA has gotten so liberal that I am ashamed to be a member. None of my teacher friends think like you do as an organization. Texas has reacted the same way Arizona has had to react to illegals. What do we not understand about "illegal," which has nothing to do with racism.

Joe C | 2010/06/10

Freedom OF religion is not a CHRISTIAN principle. It is a freedom for ALL religions. So, why are we pushing Christianity? Isn't that infringing on MY freedom of religion not to be a chrisitian or specifically teach christian beliefs.

Dan K | 2010/06/10

The Declaration of Independence was written by an atheist and specifically included a clause separating the church and state so this nonsense wouldn't happen.

Nancy | 2010/06/10

?

Theresa M | 2010/06/10

We have spent entirely too much time teaching history from perspectives other than those who founded our nation. It is about time someone stood up to political correctness. I teach history in California, and am so tired of the bias against our European roots. I stopped using the textbook several years ago. I will get my hands on a Texas textbook and will use that as the basis for my curriculum.

Michele | 2010/06/10

"...our so-called 'Christian nation'"??? I agree with Tom P but for a different reason. God does need to help us and protect us apparently from ourselves. Our country was founded on those Christian principles -Freedom OF religion - and that is EXACTLY what our children should be taught. Bythe way, yes, I am a teacher - unfortunately not in Texas, but I'll join in ... God bless Texas!

Sharon M | 2010/06/09

Yes He will and all the students in Texas. This is a good thing for the state and our childrens education.

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